Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentacur has been issued a seven-match suspension for a breach of FA Rule E3.
Bentancur has been deemed guilty of using abusive and/or insulting words in reference to racist comments about Tottenham teammate Son Heung-min to Uruguayan TV.
While appearing on Canal 10 show Por La Camiseta, Bentancur was asked for a Spurs player’s shirt. He replied: “Sonny’s? It could be Sonny’s cousin too as they all look the same.”
The midfielder issued an apology to Son via Instagram. He wrote: “Sonny brother, I apologise to you for what happened, it was just a very bad joke. You know I love you and I would never disrespect you or hurt you or anyone else! I love you, brother!”
The FA have now issued Bentacur with a seven-game ban and £100,000 fine. The suspension will apply to domestic games and the Uruguayan can still play for Spurs in the Europa League.
“An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed a seven-match suspension and £100,000 fine on Rodrigo Bentancur for a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to a media interview,” a statement from the FA read.
“It was alleged that the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder breached FA Rule E3.1 as he acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or brought the game into disrepute. It was further alleged that this constitutes an “aggravated breach”, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference – whether express or implied – to nationality and/or race and/or ethnic origin.
“Rodrigo Bentancur denied this charge, but the independent Regulatory Commission found it to be proven and imposed his sanctions following a hearing. Its written reasons for these decisions can be seen below.”
